[1] One dead fly makes the perfumer's ointment give off a rancid stench, so a little folly can outweigh much wisdom. [2] A wise person's good sense protects him, but a fool's lack of sense leaves him vulnerable. [3] Even when a fool walks along the road he lacks sense, and shows everyone what a fool he is. [4] If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position, for a calm response can undo great offenses. [5] I have seen another misfortune on the earth: It is an error a ruler makes. [6] Fools are placed in many positions of authority, while wealthy men sit in lowly positions. [7] I have seen slaves on horseback and princes walking on foot like slaves. [8] One who digs a pit may fall into it, and one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. [9] One who quarries stones may be injured by them; one who splits logs may be endangered by them. [10] If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge, he must exert a great deal of effort; so wisdom has the advantage of giving success. [11] If the snake should bite before it is charmed, the snake charmer is in trouble. [12] The words of a wise person win him favor, but the words of a fool are self-destructive. [13] At the beginning his words are foolish and at the end his talk is wicked madness, [14] yet a fool keeps on babbling. No one knows what will happen; who can tell him what will happen in the future? [15] The toil of a stupid fool wears him out, because he does not even know the way to the city. [16] Woe to you, O land, when your king is childish, and your princes feast in the morning. [17] Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time-with self-control and not in drunkenness. [18] Because of laziness the roof caves in, and because of idle hands the house leaks. [19] Feasts are made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. [20] Do not curse a king even in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich while in your bedroom; for a bird might report what you are thinking, or some winged creature might repeat your words.
